Control device with easy lock feature

ABSTRACT

Methods for identifying control keys with particular devices are disclosed along with methods of assigning control keys to particular devices. In particular, a remote control comprises a set of hard keys comprising channel group keys and volume group keys and a set of soft keys activated via a touch screen display. The display identifies the device the volume group keys are set to control and the device the channel group keys are set to control. Selecting the device currently controlled by the channel group keys by, for example, depressing the device indicator on the display screen, initiates a set up mode that displays numerous devices that may be controlled by the channel group keys. Selecting one of the numerous devices assigns the channel group keys to that device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to hand-held control modules, aswell as consumer electronic devices. Specific exemplary embodimentsdiscussed relate to hand-held remote controls and electronic devicessuch as televisions connected to cable set-top boxes and audio systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The description of art in this section is not intended toconstitute an admission that any patent, publication or otherinformation referred to herein is “prior art” with respect to thisinvention, unless specifically designated as such.

[0003] While the present invention relates to hand-held control modulesgenerally, it will be better understood within the discussion ofexemplary embodiments directed toward universal remote controls.Universal remote controls typically offer a preprogrammed set ofstandardized keys for each device type supported. These provide for thecommon operational functions of the device but do not necessarily offerthe full range of features available on the original manufacturer'sremote.

[0004] U.S. patents and applications relevant to remote controltechnology include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,515,052; 5,255,313; and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/418,091 filed Oct. 14, 1999, which areincorporated herein by reference. Pat. '052 discloses a universal remotecontrol with function synthesis. The remote control comprises drivercircuitry for communicating code signal generation sequences including acode generated command signal followed by a code setting signal; andmemory for storing information therein. Pat. '313 discloses a universalremote control system having a signal generator to transmit signalswhich will cause specific functions to occur in specific controlleddevices. patent application Ser. No. '091 discloses means and methodsfor operating a remote control.

[0005] Users of universal remote controls who need access to one or morefunctions not preprogrammed into the unit must then use a learningcapability or a feature, such as a function synthesizer (e.g., thefunction synthesizer discussed in Pat. '052) to add the desired extrafunctions to their remotes. Other U.S. Patents related to remote controltechnology, and in particular, relating to learning technology includeU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,959,810; 5,228,077; and 5,537,463, which areincorporated herein by reference.

[0006] Pat. '810 discloses means for transferring instructions and/ordata to RAM wherein the instructions and/or data is transferred from asource external to the RAM. Pat. '077 discloses a remotely upgradableuniversal remote control. Pat. '463 discloses means in the remotecontrol for picking up an electromagnetic signal from an electromagneticsignal source and storing output signal data in memory. The outputsignal data stored in memory may correspond to control function datawhich may be transmitted to a device to be controlled.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,256 issued Jan. 2, 1996, is incorporatedherein by reference. The '256 patent discloses a circuitry for couplinga SCAN key to a microprocessor and a channel scan program. A channelscan of channels is initiated when the SCAN key is depressed.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,414,426 issued May 9, 1995, is incorporatedherein by reference. The '426 patent discloses an entry program forenabling a user to define a macro for selecting at least one favoritechannel, whereby rapid selection of at least one favorite channel ismade upon subsequent depression of a MACRO key.

[0009] The following U.S. patent applications disclose methods forcontrolling media systems, and for capturing state information. U.S.Pat. Ser. No. 09/718,931 filed Nov. 21, 2000, and U.S. patent Ser. No.09/418,091 filed Oct. 14, 1999, are incorporated herein by reference.The '931 application discloses a media return system with return tostate capability. The status of the system is quickly captured andprovides a simple means to reset the system to, for example, the stateprior to channel surfing. The '091 application discloses a media systemwith punch-through capability. Functional control may be locked acrossdevices to control a particular device while operating in a differentdevice mode.

[0010] For example, a volume or channel lock feature assigns one devicetype permanently to the specified set of keys, namely the volume orchannel control keys. There are advantages to cross linking devices andcontrol keys. A cable subscriber might, for example, want his channelswitching keys to always send cable box codes, regardless of what modethe remote is in. A consumer who plays the TV sound back through a hometheatre surround sound system might want the volume keys to always sendaudio system codes, e.g., amplifier codes.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,105, which issued Dec. 8, 1987, and EuropeanPatent Application No. 0120345 discussed therein are both incorporatedherein by reference. The '105 patent describes the '345 application asteaching a hand apparatus comprising a limited number of keys, but withwhich all functions of a plurality modules (devices) can be controlled.For that purpose, one module is assigned to each key or a number of keysby changing (device) modes. To inform the user which function isassigned to which key at any given instant, each key is assigned a keyelement display element on which the actual control function of the keyis displayed. The '345 application apparatus, while useful, has requireddisplay elements of a large size such that the actual control functioncan be shown clearly enough. Also, all of the display driver circuitsrequire a considerable amount of space. Therefore, to keep the apparatusas a hand-held apparatus, the number of keys it can have are limited.

[0012] To overcome problems associated with the '345 application, the'105 patent provides a hand apparatus comprising a plurality of modulekeys. A module is assigned to each key. A user can only gain access tothe relevant module through its key. One single display element of thedot-matrix type displays control functions associated with the modulesto be controlled. Around the dot-matrix type display multi-functionalcontrol buttons are arranged such that the dot-matrix displays thefunction assigned to a multi-functional control button in a given mode.

[0013] One significant drawback of the apparatus of the '105 patent isthat it is uni-mode—there is no way to lock devices across modes, astaught in the '091 application. Another significant drawback forapplicant's objectives is that the apparatus is limited to onedot-matrix function display per multi-function button. This onebutton-one display approach appears to be an essential feature that theapparatus of the '105 patent uses to address problems discussed in the'105 patent.

[0014] While locked controls, such as are described in the '091application, are generally useful, they are often difficult to setup—there is generally no intuitive way to input the desired device. Oncethe locked controls are set, they can be confusing to one who forgets,or does not know, to what device the control keys are locked. The priorart addresses key identification in various ways. But none sufficientlyaddress key identification or other problems associated with lockingkeys across devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] This paper teaches approaches for overcoming drawbacks associatedwith control keys locked across devices. The terms keys and buttons areused interchangeably and should be construed broadly. The term soft keymay be thought of as a key on a touch screen that is activated bydepressing it. The term soft key is to be contrasted with the term hardkey. Hard keys may be thought of as physical three dimensional keys asopposed to virtual keys on a display screen. Soft keys, i.e., acorresponding icon, for example, can be located at different positionson a display screen depending on the mode of operation or operationbeing performed. Hard keys, by contrast, are generally fixed in aspecific location, although the function associated with the hard keymay be reassigned via various methods. Thus, the terms soft keys andhard keys have relative meaning and soft keys are generally associatedwith a display and hard keys are generally not.

[0016] One approach to locking keys to devices utilizes a remote controlcomprising a touch screen display and hard buttons. The hard buttons maybe used as the control buttons for controlling various functions orgroups of functions. For example, volume and channel control buttons canbe used to control functions associated with volume and controlfeatures. The hard buttons may be located near the edge of the touchscreen or other predetermined location. The touch screen can be used todisplay an indication of which device the hard control keys arecurrently set (“locked”) to control. Preferably the style design of theremote control, by way of graphical and physical attributes, can be usedto link hard keys to corresponding display screen identifiers. Keyidentification methods other than stylistic means will be apparent tothose of skill in the art and may for example include coloring,lighting, key shaping and positioning, and various combinations.

[0017] A touch screen can be used to facilitate setting deviceassignments to keys (“locking” the keys). For example, suppose that thechannel control keys are locked to the cable device and such locking isindicated on the touch screen. Touching the area on the touch screenthat indicates that the cable box (labeled, e.g., CAB) is the devicecontrolled by the channel keys (e.g., touching a device type indicator)can initiate a setting mode. A display representing all possible deviceshaving channels that the channel key may change can be displayed as softbuttons on the touch screen. The display may represent all typicalcontrolled devices, or any subset, as for example only devices havingcontrollable functions corresponding to the keys being assigned.Touching one of the soft buttons would lock the channel keys to thedevice selected via the soft button. A device (type) indicatorcorresponding to the selected device would then appear on the touchscreen where the cable indicator previously indicated that a cabledevice was controlled by the channel keys.

[0018] A remote control according to the teachings comprises a pluralityof hard keys comprising at least one control group of keys. A touchscreen is operably connected and adapted to display a plurality of softkeys corresponding to a plurality of device types controllable by thecontrol group of keys. The touch screen also displays at least one of aplurality of device type indicators, wherein the device type indicatorsdisplayed corresponds to a device the control group of keys is assignedto control. The remote control preferably has memory comprisingprogramming for entering a set up mode and assigning a device to becontrolled to the control group of keys, whereby the control group ofkeys may control the corresponding group of functions of that device.The programming may comprise programming for assigning, in response toselection of one of the soft keys by a user, a corresponding one of theplurality of device types to the control group of keys. The programmingpreferably enables the remote control to display a device type indicatorcorresponding to the device type assigned to the control group of keys.

[0019] In a particular embodiment, the remote control comprises aplurality of hard keys comprising a channel control group of keys and avolume control group of keys; the channel and volume group of keysrespectively controlling channel and volume functions of target devices.A screen displays one each of first and second pluralities of devicetype indicators. Visual indicia associates the first device typeindicator with the channel control group of keys. The second device typeindicator is visually associated with the volume control group of keys.Thusly, a user may readily discern which device the channel controlgroup of keys is set to control and which device the volume controlgroup of keys is set to control.

[0020] More generally, a remote control may comprise a plurality of keyscomprising at least one control group of keys and a display displayingat least one of a plurality of device type indicators. And visualindicia associates the displayed device type indicator with the controlgroup of keys.

[0021] An objective of this application is to provide methods and meansthat allow a user to readily assign keys of a control device to targetdevices.

[0022] Another object of this application is to provide methods andmeans that allow a user to readily discern which devices are controlledby what keys of a control device.

[0023] Other objects and advantages in accordance with this applicationwill be apparent to those of skill in the art from the teachingsdisclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In the interest of enabling one of skill in the art to practicethe invention, exemplary embodiments are shown and described. Forclarity, details apparent to those of skill in the art and reproduciblewithout undue experimentation are generally omitted from the drawingsand description.

[0025]FIG. 1 shows a remote control that indicates the device volume andchannel control groups of keys are, respectively, set to control.

[0026]FIG. 2 pictorially shows a user locking the volume control groupof keys to the amplifier. The set up mode is easily initiated by theuser by selecting the device the volume control group of keys iscurrently locked to control, the TV.

[0027]FIG. 3 is a flowchart of how a remote control responds to keypresses by a user.

[0028]FIG. 4 shows a flowchart for locking the volume control group ofkeys to a different device.

[0029]FIG. 5 is a flowchart for locking the channel control group ofkeys to a device.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0030] While this disclosure is discussed in relation to remotecontrols, other uses will be apparent from the teachings disclosedherein. It will be better understood from the following detaileddescription of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attacheddrawings, wherein like reference numerals and characters refer to likeparts, and by reference to the following claims.

[0031]FIG. 1 discloses a remote control 10 according to an embodiment ofthe invention. The remote control 10 comprises a plurality of hard keys12. The hard keys 12 comprise a volume control group of keys 14 and achannel control group of keys 16. A display screen 18 displays devicetype indicators 20 and 22. The device type indicator 20 indicates a TVdevice; the device type indicator 22 indicates a cable device. Inaddition to textual information, iconic, as well as other forms ofindication, may be used.

[0032] The device type indicator 20 is visually associated with thevolume control group of keys 14 and the device type indicator 22 isvisually associated with the channel control group of keys 16. Thevisual association may generally take place through stylistic markingsor stylistic configuration of the remote 10 or a combination of the two.The stylistic markings comprise, for example lines 24 and 26 and text28. The stylistic design comprises, for example the physical designaspects, including key layout, case and key configuration, and otherphysical characteristics of the remote control. Stylistic configurationincludes such things as positions and shape of key as well as colorcoding, etc. Albeit color coding also may be considered a form ofstylistic marking.

[0033] The volume control group of keys 14 is identified as volumecontrol keys in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 by the stylistic textmarkings 28 displaying “VOL. MODE”. Likewise, the channel control groupof keys 16 is identified as being channel control keys by stylisticmarking 30. In the default setting the soft keys 32 show control keysassociated with the DVD device. In particular, transport functioncontrol keys 36 are displayed on the touch screen 18.

[0034] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the display 18comprises a touch screen that includes a plurality of soft keys 32. Forsome applications a touch screen is not required, but a display isdesirable; still other applications, such as those directed towardprogramming features and stylistic means, do not require a display.

[0035] In FIG. 1 the remote control 10 is set in a master modeassociated with a DVD device. This setting is indicated by device typeidentifier 34.

[0036] Thus, in the default setting of the remote control 10, the softkeys 32 show control keys associated with a DVD device. In particular,transport keys 36 are displayed on the touch screen 18. Also, themajority of the hard keys, excluding those associated with the channeland volume control groups described earlier, will send DVD IR controlcodes.

[0037] Various default settings may be utilized as appropriate forvarious applications.

[0038] In an embodiment of the invention the remote control 10 comprisesmemory for entering a set up mode and assigning a device, for example, aDVD device, a TV device, a cable device, to be controlled by a controlgroup of keys, for example the volume control group of keys 14 or thechannel control group of keys 16.

[0039]FIG. 2 pictorially depicts one method for setting a control groupof keys to control a particular device. FIG. 2.1 shows the transportkeys 36 displayed on the touch screen 18; the remote control is in DVDmaster mode, as indicated by the master mode device type indicator 34.The control group of keys 14 are indicated to control volume by control(or function control) indicator 28. The device whose volume iscontrolled by the control group of keys 14 is a TV, as indicated bydevice type indicator 20. Similarly, the control group of keys 16 areset to control channel functions of a cable device. The control group ofkeys 14 are also referred to herein as the volume control group of keys,and similar designations. Similarly with respect to the control group ofkeys 16.

[0040] Supposing a user 38 desires to change the volume control keys 14to control the volume of a different device. The user 38 selects the TVindicator 20 as shown in FIG. 2.2. In response to the user selecting thetelevision indicator 20, the display 18 displays a plurality of softkeys 40 corresponding to a plurality of device types. The volume controlkeys 14 may be set to control some or all of the displayed devices,depending on the remote control. The soft key 42 corresponding to the TVdevice is highlighted because that is the current device the volumecontrol group of keys 14 is set to control. Other methods for indicatingthe current device may be used, if such indication is desired for aparticular application.

[0041]FIG. 2.3 shows the user 38 having selected the soft key 44corresponding to an amplifier device. The device type indicator 20 haschanged to indicate that the volume control group of keys 14 willcontrol the volume of the amplifier. FIG. 2.4 shows the display 18 afterthe volume control group of keys 14 have been set to control theamplifier. The device type indicator 20, which formerly indicated the TVwas controlled, now indicates the amplifier will be controlled by thevolume control group of keys 14. Since the remote control is still setin a DVD master mode the transport keys 36 are displayed in the touchscreen 18.

[0042]FIG. 3 is a flowchart 100 of one example of how a remote controlembodying an aspect of the teachings herein may operate. Generally, theprogramming determines the appropriate format for a command transmittedfrom the remote control based on the master mode in which the remotecontrol is set, or the mode or device to which the particular key islocked. The programming also monitors if the user is initiatingoperation to lock a control set of keys to another device.

[0043] With respect to flowchart 100, the remote control 10 determinesif a key is pressed at Step 102. At Step 104 a determination is made asto whether the key pressed is a standard key. If the key is a standardkey the programming goes on to determine if the key press is associatedwith one of the locked control groups keys (Steps 106 and 108). If thekey is not associated with one of the control groups, Step 110 will setthe format for the command to be transmitted to conform with the setmaster mode. For example, in FIG. 1 the master mode is set for a DVDdevice. Therefore, the command format will be one which will berecognized by, and thus control, the DVD.

[0044] If the key pressed is one of the channel control group of keys,then the format of the transmission will be set to conform to the devicerepresented by device indicator type 22. The format is set at Step 112.If the scan button is pressed, a channel scan may be performed asindicated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,256, or other conventional methodsknown to those of skill in the art. See Step 114.

[0045] If the key pressed is one of the volume control group of keys,then at Step 116 the command transmission format is set to correspond tothe device indicated by device indicator type 20.

[0046] If the key pressed is the device indicator type 20, which isassociated with the volume control group of keys 14, then at Step 118the programming will proceed to reassign the device controlled by thevolume control group of keys 14. See FIG. 4. If the key pressed is thedevice type indicator 22, which is associated with the channel controlgroup of keys 16, then at Step 120 the programming will proceed toreassign the device controlled by the channel control group of keys 16.

[0047] If the key pressed is none of the foregoing, then at Step 122 theprogramming goes on to perform specific functions associated with thekey pressed.

[0048]FIG. 4 discloses an exemplary method for assigning the device tobe controlled by the volume control group of keys 14. Steps in FIG. 4that correspond to steps pictorially depicted in FIG. 2 are indicated.At Step 130, if the device type indicator 20, which is associated withthe volume control group of keys 14, is pressed a predetermined amountof time, then at Step 132 the devices available for control aredisplayed on the touch screen 18.

[0049] If the device type indicator key 20 is held too long, such as bya book or other object inadvertently depressing the key (e.g. accountingfor the couch cushion crush factor), the programming will take theremote control out of set up mode. Similarly, at Steps 136-138, if oneof the soft keys 40 (which are associated with the available devices) isnot selected within a predetermined amount of time, the programming willtake the remote control 10 out of set up mode.

[0050] At Step 140 the volume control group of keys 14 is set to thedevice corresponding to the soft key selected by the user 38. In FIG.2.3 soft key 44 is selected. Setting the volume control group of keys 14to the selected device is often referred to as locking the volumecontrol keys or setting the volume lock, and other similar phrases.

[0051] At Step 142, the display 18 is returned to its default, orstandard, setting.

[0052]FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method of carrying out achannel lock operation. Steps 150-158 determine if the device typeindicator 22, which is visually associated with the channel controlgroup of keys 16, has been selected by the user 38.

[0053] In response to selection by the user 38, the programming causesthe display 18 to display the available devices. Steps 154-158 determineif another key is pressed (soft or hard), or whether the channel lockoperation should be terminated. Steps 160-162 set the channel lock tothe device corresponding to the soft key selected by the user 38.

[0054] After the channel lock is set, or a key other than an availabledevice is selected, then at Step 164 the programming returns the display18 to its default display.

[0055] The above described exemplary apparatus and methods allow a user38 to readily discern what device a particular control group of keys isset to control. The user is also provided with a straight forward andintuitive way of setting, or locking, a particular control group of keysto a particular device.

[0056] Some entertainment systems comprise duplicate device types.Consider a system comprising both an audio component and a surroundsound component. If the remote only comprised one audio indicator,locking the keys for the audio components in such a system may beconfusing and potentially limiting. This problem is solved, along withcontrolling non-standard devices, by including one or more auxiliarydevice indicators. A complementary approach is to allow any device typeindicator to be reprogrammed to any other device type indicator. If thesame device type indicator is already a part of the set displayed, thenew device type indicator is given the next higher number, e.g. AUDIO 2.

[0057] While aspects of the invention has been particularly shown anddescribed with reference to particular embodiments thereof, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form anddetail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention. The scope of the claimed invention is intended to bedefined by following claims as they would be understood by one ofordinary skill in the art with appropriate reference to thespecification, including the drawings, as warranted.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A remote control comprising: a plurality ofhard keys comprising at least one control group of keys; a touch screenoperably connected and adapted: to display a plurality of soft keyscorresponding to a plurality of device types controllable by the onecontrol group of keys and to display at least one of a plurality ofdevice type indicators, wherein the one device type indicator displayedcorresponds to a device the one control group of keys is assigned tocontrol; and memory comprising programming for entering a set up modeand assigning a device to be controlled to the one control group ofkeys, wherein the programming for assigning a device to be controlledcomprises programming for: assigning, in response to selection of one ofthe soft keys by a user, a corresponding one of the plurality of devicetypes to the one control group of keys, and displaying a device typeindicator corresponding to the device type assigned to the one controlgroup of keys.
 2. The remote control claim 1, wherein: the plurality ofhard keys comprises a second control group of keys; and the touch screenis operably connected and adapted to display a second device typeindicator visually associated with the second control group of keys. 3.The remote control of claim 1, wherein: the one control group is achannel control group; and the second control group is a volume controlgroup.
 4. The remote control of claim 1, wherein the programming forentering a set up mode comprises programming for displaying the softkeys corresponding to the plurality of device types controllable by theone control group of keys.
 5. A remote control comprising: a pluralityof hard keys comprising a channel control group of keys and a volumecontrol group of keys; a screen displaying a first one of a plurality ofdevice type indicators and a second one of a plurality of device typeindicators; visual indicia associating the first device type indicatorwith the channel control group of keys and the second device typeindicator with the volume control group of keys, whereby a user mayreadily discern which device the channel control group of keys is set tocontrol and which device the volume control group of keys is set tocontrol.
 6. The remote control of claim 5, wherein the touch screendisplays a plurality of soft keys, each corresponding to a device typeat least one group of keys from volume control group of keys and thechannel control group of keys may be set to control.
 7. The remotecontrol of claim 6, wherein the touch screen displays the plurality ofsoft keys in response to a user initiating a set up mode to set at leastone of the control groups of keys to control a device type.
 8. Theremote control of claim 6, comprising: programming for setting a controlgroup of keys to one of a plurality of device types in response to auser selecting a soft key corresponding to the one of a plurality ofdevice types; and programming for displaying on the touch screen acorresponding one of a plurality of device type indicators.
 9. Theremote control of claim 5, wherein the visual indicia comprises astylistic marking.
 10. The remote control of claim 5, wherein the visualindicia comprises a stylistic physical design of the remote control. 11.A remote control comprising: a plurality of keys comprising at least onecontrol group of keys; a display displaying at least one of a pluralityof device type indicators; and visual indicia associating the onedisplayed device type indicator with the one control group of keys,whereby a user may readily discern which device the control group ofkeys is set to control.
 12. The remote control of claim 11, wherein theone control group of keys are hard keys.
 13. The remote control of claim11, wherein the display displaying the device type indicator is a touchscreen.
 14. The remote control of claim 13, wherein the remote enters aset up mode in response to a user selecting the displayed device typeindicator.
 15. The remote control of claim 11, wherein: the plurality ofkeys comprises a plurality of keys corresponding to a plurality ofdevice types; and the control group of keys is set to control a devicecorresponding one of the device type keys in response to a userselecting the one device type key.
 16. The remote control of claim 15,comprising a touch screen, wherein the device type keys are soft keysdisplayed on the touch screen.
 17. The remote control of claim 16,wherein the touch screen comprises the display displaying the devicetype indicator.
 18. The remote control of claim 17, wherein the remotecontrol enters a set up mode in response to a user selecting thedisplayed device type indicator.
 19. The remote control of claim 18,wherein the soft keys corresponding the device types are displayed onthe touch screen in response to the user initiating the set up mode. 20.A remote control comprising: a plurality of keys comprising a firstcontrol group of keys and a second control group of keys; a first devicetype indicator of a first plurality of device type indicators, whereinthe first plurality of device type indicators correspond to devices thefirst control group of keys may be set to control and the first devicetype indicator is visually associated with the first control group ofkeys, whereby a user may readily discern which device the first controlgroup of keys is set to control based on the first device type indicatorvisually associated with the first control group of keys; and a seconddevice type indicator of a second plurality of device type indicators,wherein the second plurality of device type indicators correspond todevices the second control group of keys may be set to control and thesecond device type indicator is visually associated with the secondcontrol group of keys, and a user may readily discern which device thesecond control group of keys is set to control based on the seconddevice type indicator visually associated with the first control groupof keys; and wherein the first device type indicator is different fromthe second device type indicator.
 21. The remote control of claim 20,comprising: a first plurality of device type keys corresponding todevices the first control group of keys may be set to control uponselection of one of the first plurality of device type keys; a secondplurality of device type keys corresponding to devices the secondcontrol group of keys may be set to control upon election of one of thesecond plurality of device type keys; and wherein the first pluralityand the second plurality of device type keys are soft keys.
 22. Theremote control of claim 21, wherein the first plurality of device typekeys is the same as the second plurality of device type keys.
 23. Theremote control of claim 21, comprising a touch screen, wherein the softkeys, the first device type indicator, and the second device typeindicator are displayed on the touch screen.
 24. The remote control ofclaim 23, wherein the first plurality of device type keys are displayedin response to a user selecting the first device type indicator.
 25. Atouch screen for use in a remote control, the touch screen adapted tocomprise: a first device type indicator to indicate a device type afirst control group of keys is set to control; a second device typeindicator to indicate a device type a second control group of keys isset to control; and a third device type indicator to indicate a mastercontrol mode of the remote control.
 26. A method of configuring a remotecontrol comprising a display screen, the method comprising: displaying afirst device type indicator to indicate a device type a first controlgroup of keys is set to control; in response to a user initiating a setup mode for the first control group of keys, displaying a firstplurality of device types the first control group of keys may be set tocontrol; in response to a user selecting one of the first plurality ofdevice types, setting the first control group of keys to control adevice corresponding to the selected one of the first plurality ofdevice types; replacing the first device type indicator with a devicetype indicator corresponding to the selected one of the first pluralityof device types; and exiting the set up mode.
 27. The method of claim26, wherein the display screen comprises a touch screen and the methodcomprises: sensing a user selecting the first device type indicator viathe touch screen; and in response to sensing the user selecting thefirst device type indicator, initiating the set up mode for the firstcontrol group of keys.
 28. The method of claim 26, wherein the displayscreen comprises a touch screen and the method comprises: sensing a userselecting the one of the first plurality of device types via the touchscreen; and in response to sensing the user selecting the one of thefirst plurality of device types, setting the first control group of keysto control the device corresponding to the selected device type.
 29. Themethod of claim 26, comprising displaying a second device type indicatorcontemporaneously with the first device type indicator, wherein thesecond device type indicator indicates a devise type a second controlgroup of keys is set to control.
 30. The method of claim 29, comprisingdisplaying a third device type indicator, wherein the third device typeindicator indicates to which master control mode the remote control isset.
 31. A method of manufacturing a remote control, the methodcomprising: visually associating a first control group of keys with afirst device type indicator adapting the first device type indicator toindicate one of a plurality of available device types corresponding to aplurality devices the first control group of keys may be set to control;visually associating a second control group of keys with a second devicetype indicator; and adapting the second device type indicator indicateone of a plurality of available device types corresponding to aplurality of devices the second control group of keys may be set tocontrol.
 32. The method of claim 31, comprising causing a display tocontemporaneously display the first device type indicator, the seconddevice type indicator, and a master mode indicator, wherein the mastermode indicator indicates in which mode the remote control is set. 33.The method of claim 31, comprising causing a touch screen to display theplurality of device types the first control group of keys may be set tocontrol.
 34. The method of claim 33, comprising causing the touch screento display, in response to a user selecting the first device typeindicator, the plurality of device types the first control group of keysmay be set to control.
 35. A computer readable medium for use in aremote control comprising a display, the medium comprising programmingfor: displaying a first device type indicator, wherein the first devicetype indicator indicates a device type a first control group of keys isset to control; setting the first control group of keys to control adevice type selected by a user from a plurality of device types;displaying the plurality of device types the first control group of keysmay be set to control; and displaying a second device type indicatorcontemporaneously with the first device type indicator, wherein thesecond device type indicator indicates a device type a second controlgroup of keys is set to control.
 36. The medium of claim 35, comprisingprogramming for displaying a master mode indicator contemporaneouslywith the first and second device type indicators.
 37. The medium ofclaim 36, comprising programming for displaying a plurality of soft keysassociated with a master mode corresponding to the master mode indicatordisplayed.
 38. The medium of claim 37, comprising programming fordisplaying the soft keys associated with the indicated master mode as adefault.
 39. The medium of claim 38, comprising programming forreplacing the displayed master mode soft keys with the plurality ofdevice types the first control group of keys may be set to controlduring a set up mode for the first control group of keys.
 40. A remotecontrol comprising: a first control group of keys set to control one ofa plurality of devices; means for indicating to a user which of theplurality of devices the first control group of keys is set to control;a second control group of keys set to control one of a plurality ofdevices; means for indicating to a user which of the plurality ofdevices the second control group of keys is set to control; means forsetting the first control group of keys to a different one of theplurality of devices; and means for indicating to a user a selectioncomprising the plurality of devices from which the user may select thedifferent one device.
 41. The remote control of claim 40, comprisingmeans for indicating to a user in which master mode the remote controlis set.
 42. The remote control of claim 41, wherein the means forindicating which device is controlled by the first control group ofkeys, the means for indicating which device is controlled by the secondcontrol group of keys, and the means for indicating the master mode areadapted to operate simultaneously.